Coordinate
A set of values (x, y, and sometimes z) that define a location in space, foundational for all spatial data analysis.
What is a Coordinate?
A coordinate is a collection of numbers that are used to pinpoint a point's precise location in space or on a map. Latitude and longitude in a geographic coordinate system, or X, Y, and Z in a Cartesian system, are examples of pairs (or triplets) of numbers that are commonly used to define coordinates.
Typical Coordinate Types:
Location coordinates: Latitude and longitude (e.g., 28.6139° N, 77.2090° E)
Coordinates projected from a flat map, like the Universal Transverse Mercator (UTM)
Add elevation (Z-value) to 3D coordinates along with X and Y.
Since coordinates specify the locations of features in the real world, they are essential to mapping, navigation, and all forms of spatial analysis.
Related Keywords
Coordinate geometry, often known as analytical geometry, uses a coordinate system to study geometric shapes. By connecting geometry and algebra for accurate computations, it uses formulas and algebra to determine distances, slopes, midpoints, and equations of lines, curves, and forms.
In GIS, a coordinate system is a framework that uses coordinates, such as latitude and longitude or x, y, and z values, to specify the location of features on the Earth's surface. It facilitates precise spatial data mapping, analysis, and visualization.
Using latitude and longitude, one may locate any point on Earth using a method known as geographic coordinates. Longitude measures the distance east or west of the Prime Meridian, whereas latitude measures the distance north or south of the Equator.
Locations on Earth can be found using the coordinate system of latitude and longitude. Longitude measures the distance east or west of the Prime Meridian, whereas latitude measures the distance north or south of the Equator. Together, they give exact global positioning.